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Entry Level Painting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Painter

Freeman, SD

$22.75 - $24.55/hr

What We're Looking For: - Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred. - Ability to successfully ...

Paint Production

Harrisburg, SD

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Looking to start a career in manufacturing? We're hiring Entry-Level Paint Associates to join a growing production team. No previous paint experience required--training is provided! Responsibilities

Painter - Industrial

Piedmont, SC · On-site

$22.06 - $24.60/hr

What We're Looking For: - Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred. - Ability to successfully ...

Painter - Industrial

Piedmont, SC · On-site

$22.06 - $24.60/hr

What We're Looking For: - Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred. - Ability to successfully ...

Paint Production

Harrisburg, SD · On-site

$17 - $20/hr

Looking to start a career in manufacturing? We're hiring Entry-Level Paint Associates to join a growing production team. No previous paint experience required-training is provided! Responsibilities

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Painter

Groveland, MA · On-site

$21 - $32/hr

Looking for seasonal help painting exterior and some interior of houses in Georgetown, Newburyport ... Can be entry level or experienced. Pay based on experience and reliability. Company Description ...

Painter - 2nd shift

Freeman, SD · On-site

$22.75 - $24.55/hr

What We're Looking For: - Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred. - Ability to successfully ...

Industrial Painter (Evenings)

Pella, IA · On-site

$25.36 - $28.02/hr

What We're Looking For: - Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred. - Ability to successfully ...

Painter - 2nd shift

Freeman, SD · On-site

$22.75 - $24.55/hr

What We're Looking For: - Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred. - Ability to successfully ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Painting information

See salary details

$29.5K

$49.6K

$60K

How much do entry level painting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level painting in the United States is $49,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $54,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Painting vs Apprentice Painter?

AspectEntry Level PaintingApprentice Painter
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; basic knowledge of painting toolsOn-the-job training; often working under a skilled painter
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, or industrial sites; supervised tasksMentored environment; learning techniques and safety protocols
Employer & Industry UsagePainting companies, contractors, maintenance teamsPainting contractors, union apprenticeships, construction firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry requirements and job dutiesLearning about training pathways and skill development

Entry Level Painting typically involves performing basic painting tasks with minimal experience, often requiring a high school diploma. An Apprentice Painter is in a training phase, working under supervision to learn skills and techniques. While both roles are foundational in the painting industry, apprentices focus on gaining hands-on experience and certifications, whereas entry-level painters are ready to perform standard tasks independently.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level painters, and how can they be overcome?

Entry level painters often face challenges such as learning proper surface preparation, achieving clean edges, and maintaining consistent paint coverage. Adapting to different work environments—indoors, outdoors, or on ladders—can also be demanding. These challenges are best overcome through hands-on practice, seeking guidance from experienced team members, and paying close attention to safety and detail. Many painting teams foster a supportive environment where new painters can ask questions and learn efficient techniques, helping them build confidence and skill over time.

What are entry level painting jobs?

Entry level painting jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the painting trade. These jobs typically involve tasks such as preparing surfaces, mixing paints, assisting experienced painters, and applying paint under supervision. No prior experience is usually required, but a willingness to learn, attention to detail, and good work ethic are important. Entry level painters often receive on-the-job training to develop their skills and advance to more experienced roles over time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Painter, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Painter, you need basic knowledge of painting techniques, surface preparation, and safety protocols, typically acquired through on-the-job training or a high school diploma. Familiarity with tools such as brushes, rollers, sprayers, and ladders, as well as OSHA safety standards, is important. Attention to detail, reliability, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure high-quality finishes, a safe work environment, and opportunities for growth in the painting profession.
More about Entry Level Painting jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Painting jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Painting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Painting jobs? The most popular types of Painting jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Painting jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Painting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Painting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,574 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Painter

$22.75 - $24.55/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Vermeer rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

167th of 427 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Who We Are

Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.

Work Shift

2 - Second Shift

Hourly Wage Range

$22.75 - $24.55

Job Summary

Are you detail-oriented and driven to craft a high-quality product? As a Painter I at Vermeer, you’ll help transform raw iron into Vermeer yellow iron by applying primer, pre-finish, and finish coats to machines and manufactured parts. Join a team dedicated to quality, safety, and continuous improvement as you contribute to a legacy that drives our world forward.

What You’ll Do

1. Apply primer and topcoat to treated metal parts, adjusting paints to meet Vermeer’s quality standards.

2. Prepare surfaces for painting by cleaning, degreasing, mechanical scuffing, and precise masking/plugging per print and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

3. Operate and maintain paint-line equipment, including booths, spray guns, pumps, regulators, and high-pressure washers; perform routine preventive maintenance (PM/Total Preventative Maintenance [TPM]) and safe changeovers.

4. Mix and adjust coatings to specification by following ratios by weight/volume, checking viscosity (e.g., Zahn cup), accounting for temperature/humidity, and managing pot life.

5. Measure and document coating quality using Wet Film Thickness (WFT) and Dry Film Thickness (DFT) gauges (magnetic/eddy current), apply visual standards, repair defects, and complete required quality records as applicable.

6. Inspect parts throughout the painting process, repair paint defects, and communicate issues quickly to support cross-shift and cell partners.

7. Perform tasks that require frequent standing, reaching, bending, squatting, and lifting; work in confined spaces as needed while following all Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procedures.

What We’re Looking For:

- Entry-level painting experience, completion of a formal painting or coatings program (technical school, apprenticeship, or equivalent) preferred.

- Ability to successfully complete Vermeer Paint Training Program.

- Ability to learn and perform hands-on spray application using High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) and/or electrostatic systems; set up and tune spray guns (nozzle/needle, fan, flow, atomization), and troubleshoot common defects such as runs, sags, and orange peel.

- Readiness to measure and document coating quality using WFT and DFT gauges (e.g., magnetic/eddy current), apply visual standards, repair defects, and complete required records.

- Strong habits in surface preparation, including cleaning/degreasing, mechanical scuffing, and precise masking/plugging per print and SOP to ensure adhesion and edge quality.

- Ability to perform physical tasks such as lifting, reaching, bending, and working in confined spaces while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Travel:

- No travel is expected for this position.

Essential Functions

Standing: Continuously

Sitting: Occasionally

Walking: Frequently

Hand Coordination: At least average/bilateral

Twisting: Occasionally (up to 2 minutes in position)

Bending - Trunk: Occasionally (up to 2 minutes in position)

Bending - Neck: Frequently (Up to 25 degrees flex and 45 degrees extension for up to 2 minutes in position)

Elevated Work/Reach: Frequently (up to 2 minutes in position)

Squatting/Kneeling: Occasionally (up to 2 minutes in position)

Climbing: Occasionally

Pulling: Rarely (up to 70 lbs) Occasionally (up to 50 lbs) Frequently (up to 20 lbs) Continuously (up to 10 lbs)

Pushing: Rarely (up to 70 lbs) Occasionally (up to 50 lbs) Frequently (up to 20 lbs) Continuously (up to 10 lbs)

RH Grip: Rarely (up to 70 lbs) Occasionally (up to 50 lbs) Frequently (up to 20 lbs) Continuously (up to 10 lbs)

LH Grip: Rarely (up to 70 lbs) Occasionally (up to 50 lbs) Frequently (up to 20 lbs) Continuously (up to 10 lbs)

RH Pinch: Rarely (up to 15 lbs) Occasionally (up to 10 lbs) Frequently (up to 5 lbs) Continuously (up to 2 lbs)

LH Pinch: Rarely (up to 15 lbs) Occasionally (up to 10 lbs) Frequently (up to 5 lbs) Continuously (up to 2 lbs)

Floor to Waist Lift: Rarely (up to 50 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs)

Horizontal Lift: (up to 50 lbs) Occasionally (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs) Continuously (up to 5 lbs)

Waist to Crown Lift: Rarely (up to 40 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)

Shoulder to Overhead Lift: Rarely (up to 20 lbs) Frequently (up to 10 lbs)

Work Location

ONSITE: A team member’s day-to-day work is best done on a Vermeer campus. If work content can be occasionally completed at an offsite location, discuss potential arrangements with your manager.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Vermeer Corporation, we believe in the value of your unique identity, background, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other status protected by the law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact Team Member Solutions at (641) 621-8767 or at hr@vermeer.com.

Interested? We’d love to get to know you.


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